Garment collar assembly

ABSTRACT

A collar assembly for a garment comprising a collar band, a fold, and a collar leaf. A fixing stitch affixes the collar leaf to the body of the garment. This prevents the collar assembly from rumpling and gives a neat and attractive appearance to the collar. The fixing stitch may be set back a prescribed distance from the front edge of the collar so that the collar is not too tight around the neck.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to collars for garments and, more particularly, to a collar assembly that is fixed in place.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Shirts often have ornamental collars to frame the neck of the wearer. The most common type of collar ends in two points, as is popularly used in dress shirts and polo shirts. Typically, the collar is stitched to the body of a shirt at the neckline. Such collars commonly stand up around the neck and fold over towards the points.

In prior approaches, collars can become unruly looking and lose their stand. The desired neat look of a shirt collar is lost if the collar becomes rumpled. These problems are particularly common in athletic and polo shirts, which are typically made of softer, less stiff material than dress shirts.

There have been attempts to address these problems. Most solutions involve adding non-fabric material to a collar to hold it in place. For example, some shirts include snaps or buttons that attach the collar to the shirt, holding it in place. Collars also may be held in place using collar links. Another collar design includes a collar stay, which is a strip of hard material such as metal or plastic. The collar is hollowed out to accommodate the insertion of collar stays near the points. When inserted, the weight of the collar stays keeps the collar lying flat. In another collar design, a band of material such as plastic supports the collar around the neck, holding it upright.

There are problems with these solutions, however. When a collar incorporates a stiff piece of material, it is less comfortable for the wearer. Such collars are also harder to wash and often create an overly stiff and formal appearance.

Thus, it should be appreciated that there remains a need for a shirt collar that provides a mechanism for maintaining its shape in a low-profile manner, while maintaining comfort for the wearer. The present invention solves these needs and others.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, and in general terms, by example and not limitation, the invention provides a collar assembly for a garment comprising a garment body having a collar band disposed about the neck portion of the garment, and a collar leaf attached to the collar band, extending from a fold disposed between the collar band and the collar leaf. The collar leaf has a front edge and a bottom edge, and terminates in a point on each side. A fixing stitch on each side of the collar affixes the collar leaf to the garment proximate to the fold and the front edge of the collar leaf. The collar leaf may be so affixed to the garment body and/or the collar band.

In another detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment in accordance with the invention, the fixing stitch is disposed in a fixing stitch region within the front ⅓ of the collar leaf.

In another detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment in accordance with the invention, the fixing stitch is a continuous stitched line on the collar. However, various types of stitches may be used, including multiple parallel lines, zig-zags, or any other stitch pattern desired. The stitching may also be a bartack or a series of bartacks. The fixing stitch can also include an accent design to highlight it. Alternatively, the fixing stitch can be disposed along the underside of the collar so that it is not visible from the outside of the garment.

In another detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment in accordance with the invention, each fixing stitch is backed off from the front edge of the collar, so that the collar looks more natural and is not too tight around the neck of the wearer. In a preferred embodiment, the fixing stitch terminates one half inch from the front edge of the collar. [[What is the preferred spacing from the front edge of the collar?]]

In yet another detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment in accordance with the invention, the fixing stitch is inclined at a prescribed angle relative to the fold. This keeps the collar in place while maintaining an attractive appearance. Alternatively, the fixing stitch is substantially parallel to the front edge of the collar leaf

More specifically, in an exemplary embodiment in accordance with the invention, the length of the fixing stitch is about two inches in length. This length is desirable as it strikes the balance between holding the collar down and allowing some movement of the collar. A desirable range for the length of the fixing stitch is between one quarter inch and five inches in length. In other embodiments, the length can range from ½ inch to 3 inches, or from 1 inch to 2.5 inches. [[Please provide a range for the length of the fixing stitch that would be effective, e.g., 1-3 inches, or 1.5 to 2.5 inches etc.]]

In another detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment in accordance with the invention, the collar assembly is embodied on a shirt. The collar assembly is viable, however, for any collar type or fabric construction, including a polo shirt, a dress shirt, or a shirt dress. It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a collar assembly that maintains a neat appearance without causing the collar to be too stiff looking or tight around the neck.

For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages achieved over the prior art, certain advantages of the invention have been described herein. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited to any particular preferred embodiment disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a shirt collar assembly in a downwardly-folded position, showing the outside of the shirt collar assembly.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the shirt collar assembly of FIG. 1 in an upwardly folded position, showing how the collar leaf is affixed to the collar band.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an underside portion of the shirt collar assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the shirt collar assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of a shirt collar assembly with a fixing stitch including an accent.

FIGS. 6A-6D are side perspective views of shirt collar assemblies with various fixing stitch types and orientations.

FIG. 7A is a side perspective view of depicting an underside portion of the shirt collar assembly in accordance with the invention, wherein the stitch line is not visible on the outside of the collar.

FIG. 7B is a side perspective view of the shirt collar assembly of FIG. 7A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference now to the drawings, and particularly FIGS. 1-4, there is shown a collar assembly 10 for a garment comprising a garment body 40 having a collar leaf 20, a fold 22, and a collar band 24. The collar band 24 is disposed about the neck portion of a garment. The collar leaf 20 extends from the collar band about the neck of the garment via the fold 22. The collar leaf has a front edge 26 on each side about a front portion of the garment; and the collar leaf further has a bottom edge 28. A fixing stitch 30 connects the collar leaf to the garment body 40 on each side, as shown in FIG. 4. In this manner, the shirt collar maintains its stand and appearance throughout the life of the garment.

Each fixing stitch 30 connects a portion of the collar leaf 20 to the garment body 40 to keep the collar in the desired position. For example, in FIG. 2, the fixing stitch 30 attaches the collar leaf 20 to the collar band 24. The fixing stitch could also attach the collar leaf 20 to any desirable portion of the garment body 40.

The stitch line 30 could be any length, orientation, and position suitable to affix the collar leaf 20 to the garment body 40. The term “fixing stitch,” unless otherwise specified, is intended to refer to one or more stitches used to affix one portion of fabric to another. It may include multiple rows of stitches, and may include various types of stitching.

The collar assembly 10 can be substantially made of a single piece of fabric, wherein the collar band 24 is affixed to the body of a shirt and folds over 22, so that the collar leaf 20 hangs around the neckline. Any other collar construction can be utilized without departing from the invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the fixing stitch 30 is preferably disposed in a fixing stitch region 15 disposed in the front third of the collar leaf. In an exemplary embodiment, each fixing stitch 30 is backed off from the front edge 26 of the collar leaf by a prescribed distance. Each fixing stitch is approximately one inch from the front edge of the collar, and about 2 inches in length, which allows the collar to stay in place without being too constrictive. Limiting the length of the fixing stitch and its proximity to the front edge 26 makes the collar look more natural and prevents the collar from fitting too tightly around the neck. The fixing stitch 30 can be between one quarter inch and five inches in length. In other embodiments, the length can range from ½ inch to 3 inches, or from 1 inch to 2.5 inches. Moreover, the distance from the front edge can vary without departing from the invention.

In another exemplary embodiment, the fixing stitch 30 is angled downward from the fold 22 toward the collar points, such that the fixing stitch is inclined at a prescribed angle relative to the fold. This causes more of the collar leaf 20 to be held in place than if the fixing stitch were purely along the fold. Further, if the fixing stitch were too far down the body of the collar leaf, the movement of the collar would be overly inhibited, preventing it from being lifted or “popped.” Preferably the prescribed angle is between 5 and 45 degrees, although any desired angle can be used without departing from the invention. [[Please provide preferred angles of inclination for fixing stitch]] Alternatively, the fixing stitch can be aligned substantially parallel to the front edge of the collar leaf.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the collar assembly, wherein the fixing stitch 30 includes an accent design to highlight it. In this manner, the fixing stitch can be readily identified.

FIG. 6A shows another embodiment of the collar assembly, wherein a series of bartacks 30 is used to affix the collar leaf 20 to the collar band 24. A bartack or a series of bartacks may be used. FIG. 6A shows a row of bartacks, spaced apart to simulate a dashed line, for function and aesthetic purposes. The term “bartack(s)” is known in the art to be a type of stitching used where it is desirable to reinforce part of a garment in a decorative fashion. See Brown, Clara M. et al., Clothing Construction 53 (1934) (incorporated by reference). Herein, the term “bartack(s)” unless otherwise specified, is further intended to be a subset category of fixing stitch, used in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 6B shows another embodiment of the collar assembly, wherein the fixing stitch 30 is substantially parallel to the front edge 26 of the collar leaf 20. The fixing stitch is positioned approximately halfway between the fold 22 and the bottom edge 28.

FIG. 6C shows another embodiment of the collar assembly, wherein the collar leaf 20 is affixed to the collar band 24 with stitches 30 forming a zig-zag line.

FIG. 6D shows another embodiment of the collar assembly, wherein the collar leaf 20 is affixed to the collar band 24 with stitches 30 forming multiple parallel lines. FIG. 6D shows three such lines, although the fixing stitch 30 may be in any arrangement desired, such as multiple parallel lines (single, double, triple, etc.). The stitch lines 30 are substantially horizontal.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show another embodiment of the shirt collar of the present invention, wherein the fixing stitch 30 is not visible from the outside of the shirt collar assembly. The fixing stitch 30 tacks the underside of the collar leaf 20 to the collar band 24 (FIG. 7A), to functionally hold down the collar leaf 20, without being visible from the outside (FIG. 7B).

It should be appreciated from the foregoing that the present invention provides an improved garment collar assembly wherein the collar leaf is stitched to the garment body with a fixing stitch, maintaining the shape of the collar without compromising comfort to the wearer.

Although the invention has been disclosed in detail with reference only to the exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various other embodiments can be provided without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is defined only by the claims set forth below. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A collar assembly for a garment comprising: a garment body having a collar band disposed about a neck portion of a garment; a collar leaf attached to the collar band, extending from a fold disposed between the collar band and the collar leaf, the collar leaf having a front edge and a bottom edge; and a fixing stitch affixes the collar leaf to the garment body proximate to the fold and the front edge of the collar leaf.
 2. The collar assembly of claim 1, wherein said fixing stitch has a first end proximate to the fold and a second end terminating a prescribed distance from the front edge of the collar leaf, wherein said fixing stitch is inclined at a prescribed angle relative to the fold.
 3. The collar assembly of claim 1, wherein said fixing stitch terminates at least one half inch from the front edge of the collar leaf.
 4. The collar assembly of claim 1, wherein said fixing stitch is between one quarter inch and five inches in length.
 5. The collar assembly of claim 1, wherein said fixing stitch includes an accent design.
 6. The collar assembly of claim 1, wherein the fixing stitch is substantially parallel to the front edge of the collar leaf.
 7. The collar assembly of claim 1, wherein the fixing stitch is a zig-zag line, multiple parallel lines, or one or more bartacks.
 8. The collar assembly of claim 1, wherein the fixing stitch is visible on the outside of the shirt collar assembly.
 9. The collar assembly of claim 1, wherein the fixing stitch is not visible on the outside of the shirt collar assembly.
 10. The collar assembly of claim 1, embodied in an athletic shirt, a dress shirt, or a dress.
 11. A collar assembly for a garment comprising: a garment body having a collar band disposed about a neck portion of a garment; a collar leaf attached to the collar band, extending from a fold disposed between the collar band and the collar leaf, the collar leaf having a front edge and a bottom edge; a fixing stitch region disposed in the front one-third portion of the collar leaf; and a fixing stitch disposed within the fixing stitch region; said fixing stitch affixes the collar leaf to the garment body.
 12. The collar assembly of claim 11, wherein said fixing stitch has a first end proximate to the fold and a second end terminating a prescribed distance from the front edge of the collar leaf, wherein said fixing stitch is inclined at a prescribed angle relative to the fold.
 13. The collar assembly of claim 11, wherein said fixing stitch terminates at least one half inch from the front edge of the collar leaf.
 14. The collar assembly of claim 11, wherein said fixing stitch is between one quarter inch and five inches in length.
 15. The collar assembly of claim 11, wherein said fixing stitch includes an accent design.
 16. The collar assembly of claim 11, wherein the fixing stitch is substantially parallel to the front edge of the collar leaf.
 17. The collar assembly of claim 11, wherein the fixing stitch is a zig-zag line, multiple parallel lines, or one or more bartacks.
 18. The collar assembly of claim 11, wherein the fixing stitch is visible on the outside of the shirt collar assembly.
 19. The collar assembly of claim 11, wherein the fixing stitch is not visible on the outside of the shirt collar assembly.
 20. The collar assembly of claim 11, embodied in an athletic shirt, a dress shirt, or a dress. 